The occasion was the 12th annual Seniors of Distinction award presentation and champagne reception at the Terraces of Los Gatos. Simonson, the longtime Los Gatos educator and dedicated community volunteer, was the day’s guest of honor — he just didn’t know it yet.

So when his name was announced as the recipient of the event’s top award, he was almost speechless … almost.

Simonson was given the opportunity to express his appreciation after he was presented with his award by Mayor Barbara Spector of Los Gatos and Mayor Erin Garner of Monte Sereno.

Annually, the honoree is presented with a plaque and assorted gifts, which last year included an overnight stay at the Hotel Los Gatos. The winner’s name is also inscribed on a perpetual plaque that hangs in the Los Gatos Neighborhood Center.

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Senior of Distinction, that prestigious award presented each year to a deserving senior in the Los Gatos and Monte Sereno communities. Awards also are presented to the honorable mention winners.

For the 13th straight year, The Terraces of Los Gatos and the Los Gatos Weekly-Times are co-sponsoring the program, which recognizes older adults living in the 95030, 95032 and 95033 ZIP codes for their achievements through community activities, work or volunteerism.

Past winners include Don Allari, Ray Cobb, Kern Hamilton, Joann and Leon Milburn, Clare Dinno, Jim Sugai, William Cilker, Beverly Rouse, Dale Hill, Emerson N. Shaw, Knowlton K. Shore and Simonson. Prior to the Weekly-Times’ participation, The Terraces presented two awards each year — one to a resident of The Terraces, and another to a community member. Dick Peryam and Bill DuSel won The Terraces awards, and Bill Miller and Dr. Ed La Veque won community honors in 1995 and 1996.

Residents of Los Gatos and Monte Sereno age 65 and over are eligible for nomination for the award, which honors “senior citizens who have enriched the lives of others,” said Pam Bancroft of The Terraces. “We invite you to nominate a senior citizen who has made outstanding contributions to the community.” The winner will be selected by a committee of judges made up of community and sponsor representatives — along with last year’s winner, Simonson — and will be recognized at a champagne reception on June 2 at 4:30 p.m. in the Glenn Rouse Assembly Hall at The Terraces. Los Gatos Mayor Mike Wasserman and Monte Sereno Mayor Curtis Wright will make the presentation.

Nomination forms are available at Los Gatos Town Hall, Monte Sereno City Hall, the Monte Sereno post office, the Los Gatos Town Library, Whole Foods, The Terraces of Los Gatos, the Neighborhood Center, LGS Recreation and the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce office.

Forms must be mailed, delivered or faxed to Pam Bancroft at The Terraces of Los Gatos, 800 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos, 95032. The fax number is 408-356-9647. The nomination deadline is May 14, 5 p.m.

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